Phil Mickelson has called for the removal of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, blaming him for a lack of unity and progress in professional men’s golf, and accusing him of ignoring his suggestions for increasing prize money and creating bigger events.
At Glance
‣ Phil Mickelson has called for the removal of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, blaming him for a lack of unity and progress in professional men’s golf.
‣ Mickelson accuses Monahan of not listening to his proposals for increasing prize money and bringing in a major investor to create bigger events, which led to his move to LIV Golf.
‣ The six-time Major champion believes Monahan has lost the trust of the players and his staff, and sees no way forward with him in charge.
‣ Monahan, who has faced criticism from other players including Tiger Woods, is under pressure as he negotiates a deal with the Saudi PIF and other potential investors.
Well said. In addition to strong arming LIV players, losing trust with his players, and all credibility with his staff, golf is in this situation entirely because of him. There’s no unity or path forward with him involved in my opinion as well.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson)
Phil Mickelson’s had enough. He’s joined the chorus calling for PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan to step down. His reason? He reckons there’s no hope for unity or progress in professional men’s golf with Monahan at the helm.
Mickelson’s got his reasons. He’s pointed the finger at Monahan for not lending an ear before his high-stakes move to LIV Golf. Mickelson, a six-time Major champ, is all about getting PGA Tour players a larger cut of the prize money.
The lefty’s been pretty vocal about it. He’s claimed time and again that Monahan brushed off his proposals to rope in a big-time investor for larger events. Something akin to the designated events now on the PGA Tour schedule.
Here’s the thing. Mickelson might not have even considered a switch to LIV Golf if Monahan had been on board with his plans to mold the PGA Tour more to the players’ advantage. It’s clear as day that the 45-time winner blames the commissioner.
He responded to a thread on X about Monahan’s shaky position following his dramatic about-face and deal with the Saudi PIF. Mickelson’s verdict? The commissioner’s lost the players’ trust and he doesn’t see a future with him in charge.
“In addition to strong arming LIV players, losing trust with his players, and all credibility with his staff, golf is in this situation entirely because of him,” Mickelson wrote. “There’s no unity or path forward with him involved in my opinion as well.”
Monahan’s feeling the pressure. He’s opened up about the toll the golf split has taken on his mental health. And now, he’s bracing for crucial talks with the PIF to finalize this framework agreement before the 31 December deadline.
He’s adamant he’s the right man for the job. But he’s not without his critics. Even Tiger Woods has expressed his annoyance over the secretive way the PIF deal was handled.
Will Monahan step down before a deal with the PIF and other potential investors is sealed? Seems unlikely. But holding onto his job post-deal might be a battle.
And Mickelson, the man at the heart of the LIV Golf saga, is one who thinks it’s high time for a change at the top of the PGA Tour.
